Mayor Names New Director of IGR and External Affairs

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today announced the appointment of Michael G. Contompasis as Director of Intergovernmental Relations and External Affairs for the City of Boston. Contompasis is the former Boston Public Schools Superintendent before the arrival of Dr. Carol Johnson. In this new capacity, he will oversee the city's work with local, state, and federal governments as well as with external entities on a variety of overarching issues.

"Mike is a master at strategizing, at working with diverse constituencies, and at galvanizing support and resource," Mayor Menino said. "I am thrilled to have someone with his stature, his extraordinary credentials and his leadership continue to work with the city."

On September 30th, Contompasis will retire from the Boston Public Schools, culminating over 42 years of service to the school system as teacher, headmaster, Chief Operating Officer, and most recently, as Superintendent. He is the recipient of several awards and recognitions, including the Milken National Educator Award, the Distinguished Service Award from the Council of Great City Schools, and the Discovering Justice Champion of Justice prize. During his tenure with the BPS, Contompasis was involved in every aspect of running the 57,000 student, 10,000 staff member school system, including policy development and implementation, capital planning, budget and personnel oversight, governmental relations, and the development of public and private partnerships.

Superintendent Carol Johnson noted that Contompasis was one factor that drew her to Boston - and credited him for making her transition so smooth. "Michael Contompasis is a gifted educator, talented leader, and above all, a true gentleman. I am delighted that we will continue to work together on the Mayor's cabinet on critical issues that matter most to the people of Boston."

"I am honored to take on this exciting new role with the City of Boston," Michael Contompasis said. "Like Mayor Menino, I am proud to call Boston home and am committed to working with him, his administration and other government officials at all levels to shape a bright future for the people of this great city."

Michael Contompasis will assume his new position on October 15, 2007.